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Santa’s Grottos in Swindon & Wiltshire | Where to Meet Santa in 2025

Visiting a Santa’s grotto has become a magical Christmas tradition, and Swindon and Wiltshire are packed with festive experiences for families in 2025. From enchanting grottoes in shopping centres to immersive winter wonderlands, there are plenty of opportunities to meet Santa, take photos, and enjoy festive treats.

Our guide to Santa’s grottos in Swindon and Wiltshire highlights the very best places to meet Santa this Christmas, including family-friendly venues, themed events, and interactive experiences for all ages. Whether you’re looking for a cosy grotto near town or a full festive day out, we’ve got you covered.

Planning a festive outing? Don’t forget to check out our Christmas light trails in Swindon and Wiltshire for a magical evening walk, explore our Christmas office parties guide if you’re organising a work celebration, or discover the top places for Christmas lunch and dinner in Swindon and Wiltshire to complete your seasonal experience.

Get ready to make 2025 extra special with a memorable visit to Santa’s grotto, perfect for families, friends, and anyone who loves the magic of Christmas.

After visiting Santa, why not continue the festive fun with our guide to Christmas light trails in Swindon and Wiltshire for magical evening walks?

Planning a festive outing with colleagues? Check out our Christmas office parties guide for ideas on seasonal celebrations.

Complete your Christmas day with a delicious meal by exploring our Christmas lunch and dinner guide in Swindon and Wiltshire.

Looking for more festive activities? Our things to do in Swindon and Wiltshire this Christmas guide has plenty of ideas for family fun.

Swindon Designer Outlet Village

Where: Swindon Designer Outlet Village

When: 30th November to 22nd December 2024

About: Swindon Designer Outlet's Magical Enchanted Wardrobe Experience is open from 30th November 2024 until 22nd December. 

Families are invited to journey through the Enchanted Wardrobe and enter a glistening, snow-frosted, winter woodland. Pull aside the winter coats hanging in the wardrobe and get ready to meet a warm and friendly Santa amongst a cast of storybook characters.

With wishes on wands to be made together in the craft area, and a magical talking wishing-well hidden among the trees, this is a Christmas Grotto with a very big heart.      

Price: FREE

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Christmas Family Fun Day at Gardiner Haskins

Where: Gardiner Haskins Homecentre, 68-72, Dyer St, Cirencester GL7 2PF

When: Saturday 14th December 2024

About: Meet Santa Claus as part of Gardiner Haskin's Christmas Family Fun Day! Children can enter Santa's Grotto on Saturday 14th December, and receive a wrapped book from the man himself. Meeting Santa will be £5, with 100% of that money going to Cirencester Food Bank.

In addition to visiting Santa, families can enjoy a raffle, face painting, colouring competition, tombola and store trail throughout the day. Bring the whole family for a day filled with joy and the true spirit of giving this holiday season!

Price: £5

How to book: No booking needed, CLICK HERE for more infomation

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Roves Farm - Christmas Experience

Where: Roves Farm & Visitor Centre, Sevenhampton, Swindon, SN6 7QG

When: Select days from 30th November - 23rd December 2024

About: The Roves Farm Christmas Experience is back for 2024 as Father Christmas and his elves bring festive fun to the farm.

Walk through twinkling lights to visit Father Christmas in his grotto. Take a seat in his cosy log cabin and be sure to let Father Christmas know your Christmas wish. All children will be given a Golden Coin to spend in the Toy Shop, with shelves full of great quality toys for all ages. You can even try your hand at making some delicious treats for Rudolph and his Reindeer friends. And don’t miss the amazing Live Elf Show, featuring some much- loved Christmas characters at this very special festive family experience.

Roves Farm is leaving no present unwrapped this Christmas with so much going on at the family-focused venue, so if you’re looking to visit a Santa’s grotto near Swindon then pre-book your tickets now.

Price: Various

How to book: Book online by clicking HERE or the button below.

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Santa Storytime at STEAM

Where: STEAM Musuem, Fire Fly Ave, Swindon, SN2 2TA

When: Satuday 7th and Sunday 8th December 2024

About: To complete the Christmas magic, Santa will be stopping by Swindon for a magical visit to the STEAM Museum. Two days of amazing Christmas fun await those in attendance with Father Christmas himself telling one of his best Xmas stories. Children will enjoy a festive story, plus a wrapped gift in the Museum’s specially staged, Hawksworth Hall.

Price: £10 per child in addition to Christmas at STEAM admission

Duration: Santa’s Storytime lasts approximately 20 minutes

How to book: Online via HERE!

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CHRISTMAS GROTTO AT THE BRUNEL SWINDON

When: Various from 16th November 2024 until 24th December 2024

About: Christmas is here at The Brunel with Santa returning in his festive grotto! Come along and meet Santa at the grotto on the ground floor near Boots, starting from Saturday 16th November, opening at weekends until Friday 6thDecember, and then the grotto will be open every day until Christmas Eve.

The grotto will be first come first served, so they recommend you visit early to avoid queuing for long. The cost is £4.50 per child which includes a gift from Santa.

Price: Entry is only £4.50 per child

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Swindon & Cricklade Railway - Santa Specials

Where: Blunsdon Station, Tadpole Lane, Blundson, Swindon, SN25 2DA

When: 30th November and 1st December 2024

About: Santa is coming to Swindon & Cricklade Railway this Christmas and will be waiting in his grotto to meet all the children of Swindon as the festive period arrives.

Visit Santa’s grotto at Swindon & Cricklade Railway and enjoy a day of unforgettable Xmas fun meeting Father Christmas, taking pictures with Christmas characters, and enjoying a special festive train ride at one of Swindon's best day out locations at this festive-themed railway adventure.

Price: Adults - £15pp, Child - £15pp, Under 2s - £8pp, Senior - £14pp

How to book: Book tickets via online HERE!

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Cotswold Reindeer Herd - Christmas Event

Where: Henley Cottage, Ampney Crucis, Cirencester, GL7 5RS

When: 16th November up until 31st December 2024

  • Reindeer Only: 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th and 27th-31st December
  • All other dates will also include the Santa's Grotto

About: It wouldn’t be Christmas without reindeer and the team at Cotswold Reindeer Herd certainly knows a thing about celebrating the festive period with their Santa experience bringing Father Christmas to the Cotswolds in 2024.

Just a short drive from Swindon you can join Santa in his grotto, interact with the wonderful real reindeer and even pick up your Christmas tree. This Santa’s grotto experience is certainly a family-festive day out not to miss.

Price: From £21.50 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults will be charged the standard £12.00 reindeer visit fee.

How to book: Book online HERE.

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Meet Santa at De Vere Cotswold Water Park

Where: Lake 6, Spine Road East, South Cerney, Gloucestershire, GL7 5FP

When: Sunday 15th December 2024. Sittings are available at 12:30pm, 1pm, 1:30pm and 2pm. The disco will start at 3pm.

About: Santa Sunday Carvery at The De Vere Cotswold Water Park. Christmas simply wouldn’t be the same without a trip to Santa! This year, De Vere Cotswold Water Park are offering a delicious, three course carvery lunch alongside children’s activities and a family friendly disco! Includes:

  • Three course festive carvery
  • Visit & gift from Santa
  • Children’s activities
  • Family-friendly disco

Price: 

£35.00 - adult
£28.00 - per child (3-12 years)
£10.00- per infant (0-2 years)

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Frequently Asked Questions – Santa’s Grottos in Swindon & Wiltshire

What are the best Santa’s grottos in Swindon and Wiltshire?
Swindon and Wiltshire offer a wide range of festive grottos, from cosy shopping centre setups to large winter wonderlands. Popular options include themed grottos, interactive experiences, and family-friendly attractions.

When can I visit Santa’s grottos in Swindon and Wiltshire?
Most grottos open in late November and run through December, with some extending into early January. Each venue sets its own schedule, so it’s best to check in advance.

Do I need to book tickets in advance to meet Santa?
Yes, many grottos require tickets, especially on weekends and during peak evenings. Booking early ensures your preferred time slot and avoids disappointment.

Are Santa’s grottos suitable for young children?
Absolutely! Grottos are designed for families and young children, often featuring interactive activities, festive storytelling, and opportunities to meet Santa in a magical setting.

Are there any refreshments or festive treats available?
Many grottos offer seasonal snacks, hot chocolate, and small gifts for children. Some larger venues have on-site cafes or food stalls for the whole family to enjoy.

Can I bring my camera or take photos with Santa?
Yes, most grottos allow photography. Some may provide professional photos or themed photo packages, so check each venue’s policy.

Are Santa’s grottos wheelchair accessible?
Many grottos are designed to be family-friendly and accessible, but accessibility may vary by venue. It’s recommended to check with individual grottos for specific details.

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